How I Saved Afrobeats Music – Mr Eazi

Afrobeat singer, Mr Eazi has claimed that he played a key role in reviving the music genre in 2016, arguing that the genre was in a difficult position before his rise to prominence.

The singer, whose real name is Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, made the claim during an interview with Beat FM, where he reflected on his contribution to the genre’s growth.

“I saved Afrobeats in 2016 when I saw that the genre needed saving. Afrobeats was in a precarious state,” he said.

Mr Eazi said his emergence brought fresh energy to the genre and contributed to its eventual international acceptance.

He gained wider recognition around that period with his relaxed vocal delivery and fusion of Nigerian pop, Ghanaian highlife and other musical influences, a style he calls Banku Music.

His 2015 single, ‘Skin Tight’, featuring Ghanaian singer Efya, helped establish his profile, while songs such as ‘Leg Over’ further expanded his audience. His 2017 mixtape, Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1: Accra to Lagos, also helped strengthen his position in the African music scene.

However, Mr Eazi was not the only artiste making an impact on Afrobeats during the period. Other Nigerian singers, including Wizkid, Davido, Tekno and Runtown, were also contributing to the genre’s growing popularity at home and abroad.

Beyond his recording career, Mr Eazi has invested in developing emerging African talent through emPawa Africa, an initiative that provides funding and mentorship to upcoming musicians. The programme has supported artistes including Joeboy, who went on to establish a successful career of his own.

Mr Eazi has also collaborated with international artistes, including Beyoncé, J Balvin and Bad Bunny, as his music has reached audiences beyond Africa.

In 2023, he released his debut studio album, The Evil Genius, expanding his work beyond the singles and mixtapes that first brought him recognition.